Vitamin D linked to reduced heart disease, diabetes risk

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin present in many foods such as fish (salmon, tuna and mackerel), fortified milk, breakfast cereals, and some juices. Available as a dietary supplement, it is also produced by the body when exposed to sunlight.

The sunshine vitamin is important for numerous reasons; it boosts immunity needed for bone growth, reduces inflammation and the risk of cancers, controls blood pressure, lessens joint pain, and helps prevent osteoporosis.

28 studies reviewed
A research team from the Warwick Medical School analyzed 28 studies to determine whether vitamin D lowered the risk of cardiometabolic disorders, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome.

The studies published between 1990 and 2009 looked at 99,745 men and women across a variety of ethnic groups.

Nearly 14 studies were conducted in the United States; eight were European, two from Iran, three from Australia, and one from India.

Outcome of the study
Based on the data, the researchers found a significant association between high levels of vitamin D and lower chances of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.

It was found that high levels of vitamin D cut back the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases by 33 percent, type 2 diabetes by 55 percent, and metabolic syndrome by 51 percent.

Dr Franco said, “We found that high levels of vitamin D among middle age and elderly populations are associated with a substantial decrease in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

“Targeting vitamin D deficiency in adult populations could potentially slow the current epidemics of cardiometabolic disorders.”

The study has been published in the Journal Maturitas.